It is that combination of skills that Santa Fe coach Trish Leidy hopes will carry the Indians to the state tournament for the first time.

“They have a really good bond between one another,” Leidy said. “No one person dislikes the other person. It’s very good team unity.”

Santa Fe advanced to the regional semifinals last year before getting swept 4-2 and 3-1 by eventual state finalist Magnolia.

The Indians made the quarterfinals in 2008 and 2009.

Seniors Jordan Garza and Jennifer Hamil have been on all four playoff squads. The Indians roster has three other seniors and three juniors.

All have come up through a program that has won consistently through Leidy’s six years at the school.

“This group works really hard at practice,” Leidy said. “No matter what I ask them to do, they say ‘yes, ma’am’ and go do it. They take the time to do what I ask them to do. Whatever it takes, they’re ready to do that.”

Leidy has challenged her team for several years by playing a tough schedule.

Of the Indians four losses in 2011, two have come at the hands of defending 5A state champion Pearland.

Santa Fe has split two games with Dobie and suffered its only District 24-4A loss to league runner-up Manvel.

Leidy hopes those contests will provide a competitive edge as Santa Fe moves forward in the playoffs. The first step will be next round, where the Indians should face their first true test of the post season.